Melba Toast Day
March 23, Sunday
History of the Holiday
Melba toast was created in honor of Nellie Melba, who was in Paris at the time. The culinary master Escoffier, working at the "Georges" restaurant, came up with this unusual way of serving bread to thank the singer for her participation in one of his performances. Since then, Melba toast has become one of the elegant dishes served at festive tables.
Objectives of the Holiday
- Celebrate the origin of the famous Melba toast.
- Honor the history of cuisine and the connection of dishes with cultural and historical events.
- Enjoy a simple yet elegant treat that has become part of the global gastronomic culture.
How to Celebrate Melba Toast Day?
- Prepare Melba toast at home by toasting thin slices of bread and serving them with various toppings like pâtés, cheeses, or fruits.
- Spend an evening with friends or family discussing the history of this unique dish.
- Try different versions of Melba toast at restaurants to experience how this classic recipe has adapted to modern tastes.
Interesting Facts
- Melba toast is often used as a base for various snacks and gastronomic combinations, such as pâtés, smoked fish, and cheeses.
- In addition to being created for the famous opera singer, its simplicity and elegance also helped it gain popularity in high society.
- Despite its simplicity, Melba toast remains an element of fine dining in restaurants worldwide.
Why March 23?
The date of the holiday is linked to the first mention of Melba toast in 1897 when this gastronomic masterpiece was served in honor of Nellie Melba. Celebrating this day reminds us how simple dishes can become iconic and an integral part of the global culinary tradition.